The Grand Appeal to launch new sculpture trail at Cribbs Causeway

The Grand Appeal to launch new sculpture trail at Cribbs Causeway

Posted on: 15 Oct 2020

Gromit Unleashed: The Grand Adventure marks 25 years of partnership between Bristol Children's Hospital and Aardman Animations.

 

The Grand Appeal have unveiled plans for a brand-new, mini version of their much-loved sculpture trails to brighten up shoppers' visits to The Mall at Cribbs Causeway this Autumn.

 

From Saturday 24 October, Gromit Unleashed: The Grand Adventure will see 15 sculptures - including classic Aardman characters Wallace, Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and Feathers McGraw - put up in various locations around the shopping centre.

 

Celebrating 25 years of partnership between Bristol Children's Hospital and Aardman Animations, the trail has been specially created to liven up The Mall and bring some joy to visitors of all ages as they near the end of a challenging year.

 

 

Featuring some of the world-renowned animators' best-loved characters, Gromit Unleashed: The Grand Adventure invites visitors to travel around the world by ticking off all 15 sculptures, each designed to represent a different country.

 

Working alongside the Cribbs Causeway team, The Grand Appeal have worked hard to make the mini trail as safe as possible for visitors and ensure the latest government coronavirus guidelines are met.

 

All 15 sculptures will be mounted out of reach to minimise virus transmission, and special selfie spots will be carefully marked out to encourage people to keep their distance from others.

 

The mini adventure map available to visitors will also follow The Mall's one-way system, minimising risk of contact and ensuring visitors are able to maintain social distancing.

Artists are currently putting the finishing touches on sculptures ahead of next week's launch.Artists are currently putting the finishing touches on sculptures ahead of next week's launch.

 

Speaking ahead of the launch of the new trail, The Grand Appeal Director, Nicola Masters, said: “Over the past few months we’ve been working out a way to bring some of the magic and fun of Gromit Unleashed to life this autumn.

 

"We want to help bring a smile to the faces of shoppers and their families while they are visiting The Mall at the end of such a difficult year for everyone."

 

Since 2013, The Grand Appeal's sculpture trails have raised over £6 million for Bristol Children's Hospital, funding pioneering research, cutting-edge medical equipment, support services and more for the brave children and families affected by serious illnesses.

 

The charity also funds three family accommodation houses, 20 specialist support staff and a programme of art, music and play in partnership with the hospital and its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

 

The Grand Appeal has continued to provide its vital services throughout the coronavirus pandemic, most crucially allowing families to stay close to their children while they receive treatment in hospital and funding groundbreaking COVID-19 research.

 

For more information on Gromit Unleashed: The Grand Adventure, to find out more about the charity or to follow a digital sculpture tour, head to The Grand Appeal website.


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Article by:

Matt Robson

 

Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
 

Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.